Key Stage 4

Key Stage 4 Courses

We offer 23 different GCSE (or equivalent) qualifications at Key Stage 4. You can find more information about each qualification and the curriculum our pupils follow in this subject area by clicking on the links below.

Our pupils choose 4 options subjects which they begin to study at the start of Year 10. Alongside the options subjects, all pupils study:

GCSE English Language
GCSE English Literature
GCSE Mathematics
GCSE Biology*
GCSE Chemistry*
GCSE Physics*

*75% of students study separate Sciences at GCSE, the remaining 25% follow the Combined Science pathway, leading to 2 GCSEs in Science.

Options Choices

Pupils in Year 9 will make their choices of Key Stage 4 subjects in March. They will receive curriculum information about each subject and a presentation from teaching staff. Parents will be invited to attend our Key Stage 4 Information Evening to meet teaching staff and find out more about each subject. Each pupil will have an individual interview with a member of senior staff to help them to make their final options choices. All pupils take at least one Humanity and Language subject, alongside a range of other options. Pupils can choose up to one GCSE equivalent (vocational) course from: Land Based Studies, Engineering, Music, Hospitality and Catering or iMedia.

English Baccalaureate (EBacc)

Pupils who are hoping to move to on Level 3 courses at college/Sixth Form (A Levels, T Levels, Level 3 BTECs or equivalents) should be following an EBacc curriculum. Not doing so can place them at a disadvantage when applying to competitive university courses and apprenticeships. An EBacc curriculum is considered the 'gold standard' for a broad and balanced education. As a result we will ask most students to continue their study of Spanish and either History or Geography, to GCSE level. We maintain 4 options subjects (rather than 3 offered by many schools) in order to give students the opportunity to also study two further subjects which they can choose from any other subjects available.

An EBacc curriculum doesn't suit all pupils and we consider each pupil individually when providing advice and guidance.

Pupils with SEND

Pupils with SEND receive additional support with making their options choices. For pupils who have an EHCP this will be discussed at their SEN review closest to the options process in the Spring Term of Year 9.

We design individual pathways for pupils with SEND. In some cases this would include only selecting 3 options subjects, to allow room in the timetable for intervention and development of key skills. We can also allow students to study two GCSE equivalent (vocational) courses where individual needs of the pupil determine this is an appropriate curriculum.

Wider Curriculum

Alongside the qualification specifications, we broaden our curriculum to ensure pupils gain a broad understanding of the subjects they are studying. We also teach the following non-examined subjects to all Key Stage 4 students: